South African Navy Festival Simons Town

Mzansi’s men and women in white put on a grand show in this historic coastal town

Land-lubbers and nautical adventurers fall in line! The 2014 South African Navy Festival anchors down in Simon’s Town from Friday, 14 to Sunday, 16 March with its usual fleet of family-friendly fun, and you’d be a dry fish to miss it.

The holy grail to fans of maritime exploration, this False Bay seaside village fiesta offers a rare glimpse of South Africa’s Navy and provides insight into the training that helps keep our nation’s waters safe and secure.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE 2014 SA NAVY FESTIVAL IN SIMON’S TOWN

The annual festival hosts a range of kid- and family-friendly activities and gives fans of maritime history and seafaring combat the chance to experience a real naval base first-hand.

Those who relish in aquatic warfare can explore some of Mzansi’s largest and most impressive warships and submarines and witness the disciplined perfection of a Navy precision drill. Alternatively, the less combative (or those with junior sailors) can simply hop on one of the tug boats for a sail around the harbour.

Revellers of all ages can also look forward to impressive displays from the Maritime Reaction Squadron and the diving squad, as well as the popular night gunnery shoot, an exhibition during which a flare is discharged into the night sky and snipers try to hit it with blank bullets (the SA Navy’s answer to fireworks). Not to mention, the Navy band will be showing off its musical talents throughout the weekend and at a pre-festival performance on Thursday, 13 March 2014 at the main dock in Simon’s Town.

The festival also hosts a wide variety of food and drink stalls kitted out to satisfy any appetite, and the little ones will have ample time and space to expend their energy at the kiddies play area. Primary school-aged children can enter the colouring competition (the winner will be announced on the Sunday), and for the older kids, there’s a sporting competition; team entry must be made beforehand by calling +27 (0) 21 787 4620.

LINE-UP OF EVENTS FOR THE 2014 SA NAVY FESTIVAL IN SIMON’S TOWN

SA Navy ships and submarines open for public viewing

Tug boat rides

Flea market

Kiddies corner and activities

Gun Run display

Navy band performance

SA Navy precision drill

Maritime Reaction Squadron ship-boarding display

Helicopter display

Live cannon firings

SA Navy diving display

Right of Entry Display through Simon’s Town

Night Gunnery Shoot

And more!

TICKETS FOR THE 2014 SA NAVY FESTIVAL IN SIMON’S TOWN

Admission to the festival is absolutely FREE! The festivities kick off at 10am and run until 6pm daily.